Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Steal Firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Haliston Este, age 28, of Pittsburgh, PA 15207, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mr. Este conspired with several others to steal firearms from a federal firearm licensee, Allegheny Arms and Gun Works, on the night of May 30, 2020. The conspirators used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to the gun store, which triggered a burglary alarm. This alarmed caused the conspirators to run away. Thereafter, Mr. Este and his conspirators then drove to National Armory in Moon Township, also a federal firearm licensee. On May 31, 2020, a crowbar was again used to pry open a door triggering the burglary alarm, causing the conspirators to flee once more.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for November 23, 2021. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mr. Este on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.